Sodom

Jo Weil gives a hypnoticperformance as Michael. Though I'm unsure what the attraction is for him in Will, this was a pretty decent movie about exploring and relationships. If course the ending is something to be desired. The biggest complain I have are the random beach shots to signify inner turmoil. I don't believe that was needed as all it did was take me out of the action.

Sodom aims high and, all in all, is a beautiful film. Telling the story of a "straight" young man's struggle to come to terms with his latent homosexuality a few weeks before his wedding, it explores themes that are relevant to everyone - regardless of age, gender or sexuality - such as courage, grasping fleeting opportunities and the need to sometimes face up to life-changing decisions.

The two characters are well-fleshed out and convincing in their portrayals, although Pip Brignall's acting is a little patchy. For me, the strength of the film comes from the atmosphere it creates through its camera work and lighting, which construct a self-contained "safe haven" in the apartment in which the bulk of the action is set.

Although the ending leaves the characters frustrated, the emergence into the light after the dark night of introspection strikes a final note of positivity.

First Brignall was miscast, and Weir was not. Second the title with its Biblical title and its association with a city damned by supposedly divine intervention was utterly inappropriate. The casting of two men talking and sexually relating through the night did not bore me, as I like that sort of film that is intimate, and no two encounters are ever the same, and the nuances of such meetings can be full of human insight. Eric Rohmer's films are a perfect example on how to succeed in that. But to be honest I did not quite believe that these two would have much to say, and when they did I responded and despite misjudged casting the film has its merits. I disliked the ending, which was as negative as the title. No spoilers although other reviewers have. Sadly again the final scenes reminded me of those novels of the 1950's when it was obligatory ( publishers colluding with public opinion demanded it ) to be negative, but I switched off. A pity as the film could have totally succeeded.

The title "Sodom" makes zero sense for the name of this film and it is very difficult to enjoy this movie unless you are sight-impaired. Imagine a Caucasian actor playing an "Asian." We are expected to accept something that doesn't match what we actually see. The film is a perfect example of how BAD CASTING can ruin a movie. It's like watching an actor calling for his dog and then a cat shows up (and we are told it's a dog). I have no personal issue with Pip Brignall (Will; the younger, straight soccer player). He does an OK job, he was simply NOT RIGHT for the part because:

• AGE: he is supposed to be 20, but looks almost as old as the other 40-year old gay character.

• Orientation: supposed to be straight but looks 10X gayer than the "gay" character. Everything from hairstyle, his smile and mannerisms are screaming "gay." Then he opens his mouth and all suspicions are confirmed. Yet we are continually insulted by being told that he's straight. Yeah right!

• Does not look like or act like a soccor player. Besides, why even write a "soccer player" into the story when it is not important to the plot..

REWRITE the story/script so it fits what we are watching. Otherwise cast an actor that fits the role. Don't try to sell us apples when you are offering oranges; then expect a good outcome.

A low-key, intimate character study of two men, an older gay man and a younger, not so straight guy who meet under a unique circumstance late one evening and spend the night together discussing their pasts, their present, and maybe their future. Jo Weil's performance as Michael, the handsome, seasoned older man, is a revelation. A haunting piece of cinema that stays with you long after the film is over.